Crime

Grieving prisoner stole from Tesco and threatened staff

Published

2 weeks ago

June 3, 2025

A MAN who had recently been released from prison turned to alcohol and crime after discovering his long-term partner had died while he was in custody, a court has heard.

Scott Cowdery’s solicitor told Haverfordwest magistrates this week that the news of his partner’s death caused him to “go off the rails” shortly after his release.

“Rather than focus on his rehabilitation, he went off the rails,” said his solicitor, Tom Lloyd. “He became extremely upset and turned to alcohol.”

On January 5, Cowdery entered Tesco in Pembroke Dock and was seen removing items worth £295.75. When challenged by a member of staff, he responded aggressively, shouting: “F*** off, I’ll smash your face in.”

Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan confirmed the incident and said Cowdery had made no attempt to pay for the items before making threats to the store worker.

Mr Lloyd told the court his client has no recollection of the event.

“He was drinking very, very heavily at the time,” he said. “But there is a good side to him — he’s a good son and has a very supportive family around him.”

Following the theft, Cowdery was recalled to prison for an unrelated matter and will remain in custody until September 26.

“Since then, he’s been undergoing counselling and attending numerous courses,” added Mr Lloyd. “He’s making every effort to improve.”

Cowdery was ordered to pay £295.75 in compensation, along with an £80 fine, £85 in court costs and a £32 surcharge.

Crime

Pembroke woman sent to Crown Court after assault on police officer

Published

9 hours ago

June 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A WOMAN from Pembroke has been remanded in custody after pleading guilty to a series of offences, including assaulting a police officer and damaging a police van.

Lisa Sture, aged 35, of St Oswalds, Main Street, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (June 16).

She admitted damaging a Dyfed-Powys Police van on June 14, assaulting a detention officer the following day, and refusing to provide a sample for a Class A drug test.

Sture was committed to Swansea Crown Court for sentencing.

The hearing is due to take place on July 7 at 9:00am.

The court ordered her remand in custody due to the seriousness of the offences, her previous record, and concerns about reoffending and failure to surrender.

Crime

Milford Haven man jailed for driving while disqualified

Published

9 hours ago

June 19, 2025

Court Reporter

A MAN from Milford Haven has been jailed after admitting to driving while disqualified and uninsured.

Lee Lock, aged 37, of Coombs Road, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to driving a VW Golf on the grounds of Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest, on March 18 while disqualified.

He was also found to have no valid insurance for the vehicle.

Lock was sentenced to eight weeks in prison and disqualified from driving for 15 months. The custodial sentence was imposed due to the seriousness of the offence, which was committed soon after a previous disqualification. He was also ordered to pay £85 in prosecution costs. No separate penalty was issued for the insurance offence.

Crime

Carmarthen man committed to Crown Court for breach of restraining order

Published

9 hours ago

June 19, 2025

Court Reporter

A MAN from Carmarthen has been remanded in custody after admitting to breaching a restraining order imposed by Swansea Crown Court.

Graham Potter, aged 42, who gave his address as no fixed abode but formerly resided in Llangunnor, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (June 16).

He admitted breaching a restraining order by being in the presence of a protected person in Haverfordwest on June 14. The order had been imposed on January 2, 2024.

Due to the seriousness of the breach and his previous record, the case was committed to Swansea Crown Court for sentencing. Potter was remanded in custody until the sentencing hearing on July 7 at 9:00am.